The Actor's Honest Musical Selections: From Early Loves to Unexplained Aversions
The initial tune I became enamored with
My earliest recollection is walking into a space at preschool where they were blasting Yellow Submarine by the Beatles. I was captivated by the sound effects, and Lennon yelling: “Full speed ahead!” When it got to the chorus, I distinctly thought: “This must be music!”
The inaugural single I acquired
When I was eight, I was victorious in a contest at school to choose a brand new vinyl to play at the mini disco we had on Fridays. My instructor took me to a local store, and I chose Come Back My Love by the group Darts. The first record I bought with my own allowance was Mull of Kintyre by Paul McCartney's Wings from a music store in Lancashire. It was number one at the time, and I selected it when my father mentioned that it was by one of the Beatles.
The song I do at sing-along
I honestly actively avoid public singing and steer clear at all costs. But if I had to, I’d choose Summer Wind by Ol' Blue Eyes.
The piece I inexplicably remember each line to
I just realised that I know virtually every word to The Boy in the Bubble, You Can Call Me Al, and each track on Graceland by the legendary songwriter.
The best tune to put on at a gathering
It hinges on the point of the party you are at. Early doors it would likely be I Heard It Through the Grapevine by the soul legend. As the party deepens, I’d work through Prince, the Rolling Stones and David Bowie, and when it really kicks off, Phat Planet by the electronic act, Born Slippy .NUXX by Underworld, and Ascension by Gorillaz, which is an massive track.
The track I can no longer listen to
I inexplicably loathe Mr Brightside by the Las Vegas band.
The ideal piece to have sex to
Come Together by John, Paul, George, and Ringo.
The LP that changed my life
When I was 12 and beginning to play the six-string, I’d only listen to early rock and roll, and was obsessed with The King, Chuck Berry, the killer, the New Orleans legend, Buddy Holly and Eddie Cochran. Then my babysitter played Let There Be Rock by the Australian rockers. It was still guitar music, but it was high voltage rock music. As soon as he placed the vinyl on the record player, I was a fan for life.
The song that motivates me in the AM
What’d I Say in its full glory by Ray Charles.
The piece that gets me emotional
Virtually any music leaves me touched. Aretha Franklin, Frank Sinatra, Elvis and the Beatles all make me cry because of the tune and pure beauty of the voices. But The Ocean by the Sheffield crooner strikes a chord every time.
The song I’d like performed at my memorial service
The King. If I’m cremated, I’ll have Burning Love. If I’m laid to rest in the ground, I’ll have Way Down.